EXCOM Member

Shelli Avenevoli, Ph.D. Acting Director National Institute of Mental Health Bio: Shelli Avenevoli, Ph.D., is the Acting Director of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the lead federal agency for research on mental disorders. She oversees an extensive research portfolio of basic and clinical research that seeks to transform the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses, paving the way for prevention, recovery, and cure. Dr. Avenevoli joined NIH in 2001 and has served in a variety of roles, including as a staff scientist in the NIMH Intramural Research Program, a program officer and branch chief in the Extramural Research Program, and for 9 years as the NIMH Deputy Director.

She developed several research programs focused on depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder in youth and chronic irritability in children. She helped define the institute's research priorities, policies, and strategic initiatives, and contributed to many trans-agency efforts to address urgent public health issues, including youth mental health, suicide prevention, & COVID-19.